Is having a large testicle dangerous?

Dear Reader, 

How’s it hanging? It turns out for most people with testicles, the answer is asymmetrically. Just like breasts, hands, feet, and eyes—testicles (also known as balls or nuts) can be different sizes without it being a medical concern. In most cases, differences between the two testicles are completely normal and don’t pose a health risk. However, there are conditions like infections or cancers that cause swelling or enlargement of one or both of your testicles that might require medical attention. Read on if you want to go balls to the walls on testicular health! 

Is it normal for one testicle to be larger than the other? 

Testicles are often naturally asymmetric. When you’re growing, each testicle develops at a separate pace and therefore they can end up at different sizes. Typically, in adults, testicles are around two to three inches long and approximately one inch wide, but each of your testicles can vary around this range. However, there are also multiple factors that contribute to how testicles are positioned in the scrotum—the sack which holds your testicles. For instance, this sack can hang in a way where one testicle sits lower than the other. In fact, research suggests that the majority of people with testicles have one that is larger or hangs lower than the other!   

Are there other reasons why your testicle might be enlarged? 

While a large testicle could just be part of the human body’s natural variations, there are also medical conditions that can lead to one or both testicles appearing enlarged. These conditions will usually cause rapid or sudden change whereas natural variations in testicle size happen more gradually as you grow. Conditions that can cause your testicle(s) to appear enlarged include:   

• Hydrocele: A build-up of fluid in the scrotum, around the testicle. A hydrocele usually doesn’t cause pain and typically goes away on its own. 
• Varicocele: Swelling of the veins in the scrotum. A varicocele also tends not to be painful and usually doesn’t require any treatment. Whereas hydroceles cause general swelling due to fluid build-up, varicoceles typically lead to a lump in the scrotum where the swollen veins are located. 
• Inguinal hernia: A type of hernia where bodily tissue pokes out into the abdomen and groin. An inguinal hernia usually causes a large bulge to stick out from this area that’s unable to be pushed back into the body. Inguinal hernias can become very painful and typically require surgery to treat.  
• Orchitis: This can involve inflammation within the scrotum around the testicle(s), like inflammation of the epididymis, and can lead to swelling of the inflamed testicle(s). Orchitis is usually caused by an infection, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 
• Testicular torsion: This occurs when the blood supply is cut off due to the testicle twists. Testicular torsion leads to sudden, severe pain and is a medical emergency, usually requiring surgery. 
• Testicular cancer: A cancerous growth, typically on only one of the testicles. Testicular cancer can cause a lump to form on the testicle and can lead to pain, swelling, and a feeling of heaviness in that testicle. Testicular cancer requires treatment, which is usually very successful, especially if it’s caught early on. 

How can you check for testicular conditions? 

While one testicle being larger than the other isn’t automatically a cause for concern, it may be useful to check yourself for signs of conditions involving your testicles. It’s advised that everybody with testicles performs a self-examination approximately once per month.  

To do so, first consider taking a warm bath or shower. Then, it’s recommended to slowly roll your fingers all the way around both testicles to feel for lumps, bumps, changes in shape or size, and painful regions. It’s normal for testicles to be painful if they’re hit, but they generally shouldn’t be painful when they’re lightly touched. It may also be helpful to set up yearly physical check-ups to be examined by a health care provider. 

When should you seek medical attention for an enlarged testicle? 

It’s recommended to meet with a health care provider for an enlarged testicle in circumstances including: 

• if your testicle(s) suddenly becoming larger than usual. 
• experiencing severe or sudden pain. 
• if you feel any lumps, bumps, or painful regions during a testicular self-examination. 
• experiencing a bulge protruding from your abdomen to your groin. 

During a visit, the health care provider will usually start with a physical examination and if a testicular condition is identified, they can help you figure out how to best treat it if necessary. 

Hope this response didn’t drive you nuts!